GISTLOVER has learned that a number of associations in the banking and aviation sectors have formally declared their support for the proposed nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
They contend that as organizations affiliated with either the NLC or the TUC, they are obligated to follow the directives of organized labor, even if that necessitates closing banks and airports.
The National Labor Council and the Trades Union Congress decided on Tuesday to start a nationwide strike on October 3, 2023.
The Federal Government’s failure to successfully implement policies to lessen Nigerians’ suffering led the organized labor unions to come to this decision on Tuesday.
Following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, the organized labor unions had made requests to the Federal Government.
The NLC and the TUC are requesting a number of things, including wage awards, the implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances for public sector workers, and a review of the minimum wage.
During a virtual meeting of the National Executive Council on Zoom on Tuesday, Joe Ajaero, the national president of the NLC, informed the attendees that a meeting had been held with TUC representatives to discuss next steps.
Ajaero stated that it was decided that the two centers should collaborate to communicate their position to the government.
When the NLC decided to start cooperating with the TUC, some of its members at first objected, according to a witness who spoke with Punch at the meeting.
Elliot Ibie, president of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, announced his colleagues would stop working in accordance with the NLC directive as he prepared for the planned strike.
Ibie told The Punch that because everyone is involved in the strike, the NLC affiliate would undoubtedly participate.
Of course, we’d be joining the strike; we’re an NLC affiliate, he responded. Everyone participated in the meeting that just ended. “.
When asked if activities at the airport would be suspended, he responded, “Yes, everywhere. “.
Ben Nnabue, president of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, also declared that his union will lay off all employees in accordance with the NLC declaration.
Yes, we are an NLC affiliate, so we will be participating in the strike, he responded. “.
In a similar vein, Oluwole Olusoji, president of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, stated that his organization was bound by the resolutions “until advised otherwise.
“We do, however, anticipate that the government will act honorably, not only by making public declarations but also by quickly putting those declarations into practice. “.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria’s Head of Media, Mr. John Ikemefule, has also declared that beginning on Tuesday, maritime workers will close the ports and jetties.
“It has been confirmed that the union will join the NLC and TUC to shut down the country beginning on October 3rd,” he said. The nation will be shut down completely and indefinitely. From jetties and terminals, we will remove our members. ”
ATSSAN is governed by the Trade Union Congress, so we wait for guidance from our center, said Emmanuel Jaja, deputy president of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria. “We proceed from there as soon as we receive directions from our labor center, which is the TUC national. ”
